Max Verstappen is confronting one of the most difficult stretches of his racing career in 2025 as Red Bull struggles to keep pace with competitors like McLaren. The Dutch driver, known for his candid attitude, has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the team‘s current performance, raising concerns about the impact of his comments on Red Bull’s workforce. These struggles come amid ongoing performance issues and internal shifts that have unsettled the Milton Keynes outfit.
Verstappen, who dominated the Formula 1 scene with multiple titles in recent years, now finds himself outside the title contention and ranked third in the championship standings. The turmoil has been compounded by Red Bull’s recent leadership change, following the dismissal of long-time Team Principal Christian Horner. Former team strategist Bernie Collins warns that Verstappen’s straightforward admissions about his disappointment could sap the team’s motivation.
Team morale at risk due to Verstappen’s outspoken remarks
Bernie Collins, drawing on her experience in Formula 1 with teams like Aston Martin, explained that Verstappen’s blunt statements risk demoralizing engineers and staff working at Red Bull. She highlighted that no driver typically undermines their own team’s chances so openly, especially amid a tough season. Collins stressed the potentially damaging effect of Verstappen’s message for those trying to find solutions.
“I don’t think any driver says we’re not going to win anything this year as a motivator to the team. That’s pretty demotivating if I were an engineer. I think that would really hit you a little bit.” —Bernie Collins, Former F1 Team Strategist
The directness with which Verstappen has acknowledged his limited chances in 2025 could weigh heavily on the efforts of Red Bull’s engineers and other team members, many of whom have thrived during years of success alongside the Dutchman. With the team facing technical deficiencies that have plagued performance since late 2024, these words may deepen frustration within the squad.
Red Bull’s internal shake-up adds pressure for quick improvements
In the aftermath of Christian Horner’s sudden exit just days after the British Grand Prix, Red Bull appointed Laurent Mekies as the new team principal. Horner had guided Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005, making his departure a major shift for the organization. However, this change has yet to yield immediate improvements, as the car continues to struggle against rivals due to fundamental issues that remain unresolved.
Bernie Collins emphasized the critical window Red Bull faces before the 2026 regulatory overhaul, urging the team to address these core problems quickly. She suggested Verstappen’s harsh public statements might be a way of signaling growing impatience and dissatisfaction with the car’s development.
“But, they need to get on top of these fundamental issues that they’ve been having for a little while now. Max, I think, is just using it as a powerful way of communicating with the team, ‘I am really not happy, and something needs to change in this car to make me happy.’” —Bernie Collins, Former F1 Team Strategist
With Verstappen increasingly seen as the key figure in Red Bull’s pursuit of victories, the pressure on Milton Keynes to deliver results has intensified. The reigning world champion remains contracted for the 2026 season, yet uncertainty surrounds his future beyond that, with potential moves to rival teams not ruled out should frustrations persist.
The critical role of Verstappen’s mindset for Red Bull’s future
Max Verstappen’s contentment with the team’s direction is vital as Red Bull navigates its current crisis. Having been the unmistakable leader at Milton Keynes for several years, his attitude and performance directly influence the atmosphere and productivity of the entire operation. As Verstappen’s comments underline growing concerns, Red Bull must work swiftly to restore confidence within the team and improve the car’s competitiveness to avoid further decline in morale and results.
This season’s difficulties demonstrate how fragile success can be in Formula 1 and highlight the importance of strong leadership and positive team dynamics. The coming months will be crucial for Red Bull as they prepare for 2026’s new regulations and attempt to halt the momentum of rival teams like McLaren, who have gained ground recently.
